The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1887-01-27
CUMBERLAND CONGREGATIONAL
CONFERENCE.
Proceedings Of the Ladies' Mission
AIRY Association.

The Cumberland Conference of Congrega-
tional churches met yesterday at the Willis
ton Church, in this city. There was a large
delegation from twenty churches of the con-
ference. Deacon S. w. Larrabee was elect
ed moderator, and the exercises were opened
with devotional services.
The first topic of the morning, "The Man.
illness of Christian Faith" was opened by
the Rev. E. NJ. Cousins of Cumberland
Mills, making three points: a There is a
need of the manliness which rises above
shams and manifests the truth; % the man
illness of self-denial for the sake of others /;
and (3) the manliness that will meet the OBJ
legations of Christian life and pay the price
of Christian privileges. Deacon Granville
Staples, of the st. Lawrence Street Church,
followed in the discussion, enforcing the
manliness of faith in the spirit of childlike-
ness, the spirit of dependence.
The second part of the morning discus
sion, us Christian manliness maintaining its
grip upon Christian conduct? If not. why
not9" This was opened by Deacon Horatio
Staples, of the High Street Church, who, by
unique illustration showed that Christian
faith is shaping Christian conduct and life
more than ever before; the leayen of faith is
permeating life 1t is working in missionary
activities, in awakening Christian con-
science. G. A. Woodbury., Esq, followed,
affirming that tie olden times were not bet
ter than these the good old days never
existed. Christianity is more than an expe-
fence. more than knowledge; it is a life.
Rev. DR.. Fem took the ground that Chris
tian faith has lost its hold, that the type of
piety is changed; that there is too marked
difference between faith and conduct. He
sharply ,ssrraigned the preaching Of today
Rev. +. L. Bayley could not doubt that the
world is seeing its best days but thought the
question was whether the church was keep
ing ahead. Rev. A. L. Dunn, of the Free
Street Baptist Church, spoke words of en-
couragement from his denomination. Dea-
con j. w. Stevenson also participated in the
discussion.
The afternoon session opened at o'clock,
with the conference sermon by Rev. Arthur
Smith of Scarb0ro, from the text, Matt 26 :53.
The introduction dwelt upon the perfect free
dom of Jesus from the constraint of necessi-
ty of any law urging Him to the sacrifice.
The theme taken was the Importance of such
enforced work by Christian labors. Some of
the conditions were noticed which virtually
lay men under species of necessity in
Il II,
mand of position, and the claims of self-pro.
lection were particularly noticed and dwelt
upon. 1t was shown that these lower mo-
tives were constantly operating along with
the impulse that comes from devotion to
Christ. 1t was claimed that they increased
as progress was made, and tended to crowd
out and supplant the spirit of simple loyalty
to the Master. The danger of this nation
from the increasing prevalence of societies
for every form of religious work was brought
out, and the need was emphasized of gaining
inspiration directly from a higher source.
Finally, the example of Christ was offered
as one which His followers should keep be-
fore them for their pattern.
The sacrament of the Lords Supper was
administered by the Rev. Messrs. Wheel
wright and Ward.
The topic Intimacy with Christ" was
opened by Rev. +. I. Bailey, who traced the
thought in the Scriptures, in which it was
seen that discipleship was personal rela-
ton to apersonal Christ; believes in what
He teaches, obeying His commandments,
vital relation with living Christ is the basis
of Christian usefulness, joy and strength.
One of the most interesting exercises Of
conference was the ladies' meeting from to
O'Clock, led by Mrs. G. A. Woodbury.. The
work presented was the department of the
American Missionary Association, known as
Woman's work for women-to elevate and
save the homes
Mrs. Daniels spoke of the work being done
by. the ladies of Maine. -Four lady mission
aries are being supported. Mrs. Southworth
gave some interesting facts connected with
the work of Miss Harrington in North Caro-
lima, among the colored women and children;
OF the sewing and cooking schools, and the
temperance and religious work. Mrs. j. w.
d. Carter, spoke Of the lowly condition of
the women in the South, their great poverty
and Ignorance. Few can appreciate their
condition as mothers and wives. Mrs. Fem
spoke of the needs of the poor white women
of Kentucky, where one of our Maine mis-
sionaries is working.
Remarks were also made by Reys Messrs.
Bayley and Hallock.
The evening service began at o'clock
with praise and devotional service. At